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Our first trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was a long layover – and we only had one day in Kuala Lumpur for sightseeing. We made the most of our short time – however, we knew we missed some of the best places to visit in KL.
It took a few years, but we finally made a return trip to discover the top Kuala Lumpur tourist spots and distinctive KL neighborhoods. To help other travelers experience the city like we did, we created a Kuala Lumpur Itinerary that features the top things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days.
Kuala Lumpur 3 Day Itinerary
Our itinerary summarizes what to do in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days. After a brief introduction about the places to visit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, we provide a Kuala Lumpur sights map and some recommended KL tour options.
Top Tip: Our KL Itinerary can also be used as a Kuala Lumpur Budget Travel Guide. Simply omit paying any entrance fees and only view structures (like Petronas Towers and KL Tower) from the outside.
Day-by-Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary 3 Days
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Kuala Lumpur Itinerary to plan your visit to KL!
Day 1 in Kuala Lumpur
On Day One of your Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia itinerary, experience some of the best things to do in KL. A cave temple and one of the world’s tallest towers.
Batu Caves Temple Half-Day Day Trip
Before you begin exploring the places of interest in Kuala Lumpur city center, take a half day trip from KL to the famous Batu Caves. The caves were formed in the limestone hills millions of years ago, but in the year 1890 a sacred statue of Sri Murugan Swami was erected in the cave.
Today, it’s called Temple Cave. Being just a short trip from KL, it is visited by people of all faiths and as a pilgrimage by Hindus. As one of the best places to visit near Kuala Lumpur, there are several things to see at Batu Caves.
What To See at Batu Caves
Below the cave entrance is a gigantic golden statue of Lord Murugan, to whom the Batu Caves temple is dedicated. The statue is 140-feet-tall and until 2022 was the world’s tallest Murugan statue. Near the base of the statue is the staircase – of 272 steps – that leads up to the Batu Cave entrance.
In addition to the worshipers and visitors that climb the steps, local long-tailed macaque monkeys scamper up and down the stairs and along the railings. Take a break from the steep incline to catch your breath and watch the cheeky monkeys (but don’t feed them!).
Inside the massive caves, several shrines line the rock walls. During our visit, we witnessed a special blessing at the temple.
Visitors are free to explore the depths of the cave and the various religious icons and natural formations. Adventurous travelers can book abseiling and spelunking trips with tour companies who can organize Kuala Lumpur excursions.
Batu Caves can be reached by private vehicle and public transportation. The train from KL Sentral takes 30 minutes and costs about $1 roundtrip. Those who would rather travel with a guide can book a top-rated excursion for a Batu Caves tour from Kuala Lumpur.
Petronas Towers and Kuala Lumpur City Centre
The iconic Petronas Towers are one of the top places to visit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It should be on every KL trip itinerary!
Also known as the Petronas Twin Towers, the skyscrapers ranked as the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 until 2004, when their height of 1,483 feet was surpassed by the Taipei 101 building. Petronas are still the World’s Tallest Twin Towers.
The 88-story towers mimic Islamic art forms. Though Malaysia is a multicultural country, more than 60% of the population is Muslim. The double-deck Skybridge connects the two towers on the 41st and 42nd floors.
Both KL Twin Towers are used for office space, but at their base is the upscale shopping mall, Suria KLCC, and the Petronas Philharmonic Concert Hall.
Visiting Petronas Tower
One of the top Kuala Lumpur things to do in 3 days is to head up to the lofty Petronas Tower Observation Deck.
Visitors can ascend the towers to the 41st story Skybridge and the 86th floor observation deck. Petronas Tower tickets are sold in person the day of the visit and online. Due to the popularity of the Petronas Towers, only a limited number of tickets are sold each day and queues can be quite long.
Visitors short on time should consider buying Skip the Line tickets in advance. The interior features interactive displays detailing information about the towers and viewpoints on both the Skybridge and 86th floor observation deck.
As one of the top attractions in Kuala Lumpur, you will want to make sure you get the perfect photo of Petronas Towers. The best spots for pictures are from the end of the fountains on the northwest side of the buildings and from the KLCC Park on the southeast side of the towers.
Sunset Drinks with a View
In a city of skyscrapers, rooftop sunset drinks are a must for your KL trip plan. After taking in the stunning city views from the Petronas Towers, head to one of the nearby rooftop bars for sunset drinks with a view of the Petronas Towers.
There are quite a few rooftop bars in Kuala Lumpur to choose from. Popular venues include the award-winning SkyBar at Traders Kuala Lumpur, Marini’s on 57 and the Heli Lounge.
We were most intrigued by Heli Lounge. Guests are invited to take in 360-degree, unobstructed views (no windows! no railings!) from the rooftop helipad of the otherwise nondescript (ok, drab) Menara KH building.
Drinks at Heli Lounge
Hardly one of KL’s best kept secrets, the Heli Lounge occupies two levels: the top floor of the building, where the airplane-themed bar is, and the open air rooftop deck helipad, where you can sip cocktails and watch the sunset.
The bar officially opens at 5:00pm, but guests are not allowed on the helipad until 6:00pm. We recommend arriving shortly after five, taking the dodgy elevators to the 34th floor and enjoying a round cocktails.
Things to note about Heli Lounge: Arriving early will help ensure you get a table to watch the sunset. If an empty table has a reserved sign, inquire with the staff if it is available. If there are no empty tables, ask to join others. After 9:00pm, a dress code is enforced: no shorts, flip flops or sleeveless tops for men. There is an entrance fee of 100RM (about $23USD) that includes two drinks.
Symphony Fountain Lightshow at KL City Centre Park
The next stop on your 3 Days in Kuala Lumpur Itinerary is the Symphony Fountain Show. The KLCC Park, a city center green space situated on the southeast side of the Petronas Towers is the perfect place to watch.
The 50-acre garden features tropical foliage, more than 1km of walking trails and a man-made pond, Symphony Lake.
At the lake’s edge, just opposite the entrance to Suria KLCC, fountains spray water is a dazzling display – with the largest fountain able to spout water to the height of 350 feet.
At night, the fountains are accompanied by music and lights in an incredible water show. Note: Special shows occur at 8pm, 9pm and 10pm.
Dinner near Petronas Towers
There are several highly-rated Kuala Lumpur restaurants near Petronas Towers that are perfect for dinner on the first of your three days in Kuala Lumpur. Top recommendations are Little Penang Café, Madam Kwan’s, Lai Po Heen and Mandarin Grill.
For dining with a different vibe, check out the food trucks at Tapak Urban Street Dining. Located just a short walk from Petronas Towers, multiple food trucks congregate in an open space to serve a variety of international fare.
Day 2 in Kuala Lumpur
On your Day 2 Kuala Lumpur Day Tour Itinerary, view the city from another amazing vantage point. Then take a walk in the wild where you will likely spot monkeys. In the afternoon, cool off in one of KL’s best shopping malls before indulging in a variety of local cuisine.
KL Tower
The Kuala Lumpur Tower (also known as Menara Kuala Lumpur) is a communications tower…and an entertainment hub. A fun place to include on a Kuala Lumpur travel itinerary, there are a multitude of activities at the KL tower for travelers.
Completed in 1995 and rising to 1381ft, KL Tower is still the 7th tallest freestanding tower in the world and provides the highest public viewing platform in the city.
It only takes 54 seconds for the elevator to transport visitors from the base to the 360-degree view. Book your ticket in advance with Viator!
In addition to the observation decks, other KL Tower attractions include the Atmosphere 360 revolving restaurant, cultural shows, a mini zoo, the Blue Coral Aquarium, the Upside Down House, the F1 Experience, numerous shops and a forest park. The KL Tower is a must for travelers planning a 3 Day KL Itinerary with kids!
At night, the KL Tower lights can be seen from afar and multiple times after dark, the tower glows in a spectrum of colors in a synchronized light show.
KL Forest EcoPark
The KL Tower was built in the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve – where nature still reigns despite the modern marvel rising above it.
In fact, a rare 100-year-old Jelutong Tree stands alongside the tower in a protective enclosure. The tower had to be built a few feet from where it was originally planned in order to accommodate the tree.
The Forest EcoPark is a fun attraction to include in a Kuala Lumpur trip plan – as it’s an opportunity to see the natural side of the city.
The tropical rainforest was designated a reserve in 1906 and is home to endangered plant species, birds and monkeys.
Walking paths allow nature lovers the opportunity to walk through the city-center tropical rainforest. A Canopy Walk lets visitors get a view from the treetops.
Shopping in Bukit Bintang Area
KL is a well-known shopping mecca – and with 3 days in Kuala Lumpur, there is plenty of time for retail therapy!
The Bukit Bintang district, which is located in the heart of the KL Golden Triangle, is best known for its high concentration of shopping malls and nightlife.
From the district’s main intersection – Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Bukit Bintang – a plethora of stores are just steps away.
Fashionable clothing, electronics and accessories by recognizable international brands (and knock-offs) fill the shelves of the shops that are frequented by both locals and tourists.
Shopping is so much a part of the KL culture that the malls themselves have become Kuala Lumpur sightseeing places.
Even if you don’t like to shop-til-you-drop, we recommend putting KL malls on your Kuala Lumpur city tour itinerary. It’s also a great excuse to bask in the cool air conditioning for just a moment!
Top Bukit Bintang Malls for your Kuala Lumpur Visit
You can shop your heart out (or just wander) and these top rated KL Malls.
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur: Housing a variety of stores, shoppers will find international luxury brands, like Hermes, Gucci, and Prada.
Lot 10: Recently redeveloped, visitors will find popular clothing stores, such as Zara and H&M.
Low Yat Plaza: The entire multi-level mall is dedicated to gadgets; a tech geek paradise.
Sungei Wang Plaza: Bukit Bintang’s oldest mall offers merchandise for budget shoppers.
Starhill Gallery: This is Kuala Lumpur’s most glamorous mall, with a Louis Vuitton flagship store.
Berjaya Times Square: One of the largest shopping malls in the world…with Malaysia’s largest indoor theme park occupies the upper floors (yes, including roller coasters).
Top Tip: Berjaya Times Square is one of the favorite kids attractions in Kuala Lumpur.
Jalan Alor Food Street
Jalan Alor Street is the place where both tourists and locals go for a fun experience in KL dining. In fact, we think eating street food on Jalan Alor is a must for your 3 Days Kuala Lumpur Itinerary.
During the day there isn’t much going on food-wise (but it’s a great time to seek out street art). However, after 5:00pm, Jalan Alor Food Street is one of the Kuala Lumpur best places to visit to sample the local cuisine.
An incredible number of hawker stalls dishing up local Malay and Chinese cuisine line the street, enticing passers-by with tantalizing scents and bargain meals. It’s a great option for dinner on a KL budget trip! The street gets packed and the best stalls have crowds surrounding them.
Some vendors offer food-on-the-go options, while others serve heaping platters to customers sitting on low stools at plastic tables in a hustle and bustle ambiance.
What To Eat on Jalan Alor Street
We suggest just wandering the street and consider trying some of the exotic and foreign foods along the way. Not interested in the oddities? No problem! Go for the dim sum, grilled skewers or handcrafted fried ice cream.
Looking for char kway teow with duck egg when visiting Kuala Lumpur? You can find it on Jalar Alor. Never tried durian fruit? This is your chance…if you can handle the potent fragrance.
At the end of the street, wait for a table at Wong Ah Wah (don’t worry, tables open up frequently – or agree to share a table and get seated sooner) where they specialize is BBQ chicken wings and satay sticks.
Top Tip: Wong Ah Wah was one of our favorite places to eat in Kuala Lumpur! After a short wait (we opted for a shared table) and a few rounds of beer, we devoured a plate of perfectly grilled chicken wings. More on what and where to eat in KL a bit later.
Changkat Bukit Bintang Bars
KL is a far cry from the 24/7 party of Bangkok, but Changkat Bukit Bintang street is an exception. The street – actually just a short 1/10th of a mile – is absolutely chock-a-block with bars. If you are wondering what to do in Kuala Lumpur at night, the bars on Changkat might be the answer.
All of the bars offer al fresco seating along the street – and a few have open-air upstairs balconies. Some of the best Kuala Lumpur nightclubs – like Havana, The Whisky Bar and Rockafellers – are found on Changkat Bukit Bintang.
Top Tip: The one caveat is that alcohol isn’t cheap in KL. Expect a pint of typical beer to set you back $6-8 USD. Happy hour specials will knock a dollar or two off the price; check the chalkboards outside.
Day 3 in Kuala Lumpur
On Day 3 of your KL city tour itinerary, explore one of the most beautiful places in Kuala Lumpur – the city gardens. Then design a self-guided Kuala Lumpur walking tour to three of the most interesting districts.
Perdana Botanical Gardens
The Kuala Lumpur Perdana Botanical Garden (formerly known as Taman Tasik Perdana and Lake Gardens) is a lovely respite in the congested city.
Ranking as KL’s oldest garden, the 250-acre Botanical Garden was first designed in the 1880s. Today, the public park is a popular recreational area, which features a number of attractions for your 3 Days Itinerary in Kuala Lumpur. Explore the gardens from north to south, and consider visiting one or more of the sites along the way.
Top Tip: The KL Botanical Garden is free to visit, however, some of the attractions charge an entry fee. Free bathrooms are located throughout the park.
Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur Botanical Garden
Visitors could fill their entire Kuala Lumpur 3 Days Itinerary with the attractions in the Perdana Garden – there are just so many! We recommend choosing a few sights that are most interesting to you.
National Monument
A war memorial dedicated to those who died for Malaysia’s freedom. The bronze sculpture of a group of soldiers (representing leadership, suffering, unity, vigilance, strength, courage and sacrifice) was built in 1966 and stands 50 feet tall. Note: The National Monument is just north of the Botanical Gardens.
ASEAN Sculpture Garden
Featuring numerous sculptures by ASEAN artists, the garden is a peaceful place to visit. Note: The ASEAN Sculpture Garden is to the north of the Botanical Gardens.
Sunken Garden
The sculpted shrubs in the Sunken Garden create a beautiful work of art and are one of the most popular places to visit at the KL Botanic Gardens.
Orchid Garden
With more than 6,000 orchids representing 800 species, the Orchid Garden includes both common and rare orchids.
Hibiscus Garden
The hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia; the Hibiscus Garden is located near an old colonial building and features two fountains.
Butterfly Park KL
The Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park is home to more than 5,000 butterflies (of which 120 species are accounted for), as well as a multitude of other flora and fauna.
KL Bird Park
The 21-acre Bird Park aviary is one of the world’s largest bird parks and one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
Laman Perdana and Lake
The lake at the center of the garden is filled with fish and turtles. At the main intersection in the park, is a covered, open space for events, Laman Perdana.
National Museum of Malaysia
The National Museum, housed in a traditional Malay structure, has four main galleries of displays that focus on the country’s history, culture and traditions. (Fee)
Brickfields and Little India
Some of the best attractions in Kuala Lumpur are not ‘sights’ but districts – and Brickfields is one of the most interesting places to visit in Kuala Lumpur.
Once the center of the brick-making industry and now KL’s transportation hub, Brickfields is home to a smattering of colonial architecture, a harmonious multi-cultural community and vibrant Little India.
Many tourists using public transportation in Kuala Lumpur pass through Brickfields and don’t even realize it; the KL Sentral Station lies within the district.
Those interested in sightseeing Kuala Lumpur Brickfields should make sure to see these buildings:
- Vivekananda Ashramam
- Maha Vihara Temple
- Sri Kandaswamy Temple
For more sights, use this self-guided free tour of Kuala Lumpur Brickfields.
The real gem of the district, however, is the colorful streets of Little India. The Little India enclave of restaurants (selling savory banana-leaf curries) and textile shops (selling stylish saris) is full of energy. Bright colors decorate the streets and Bollywood music fills the air. It’s one of the best places to wander on a visit to Kuala Lumpur.
Merdeka Square
Merdeka Square – which translates to Independence Square and locally called Dataran Merdeka – is a large, open grassy field.
The square and many of the surrounding structures were built by the British in the late 1800s; and were used for both police training and cricket.
On August 30, 1957, it was in Merdeka Square that the Malaysian flag was raised in independence from the British for the first time.
Today, an enormous Malaysian flag still flies at the southern end of the field and the buildings around it are historic landmarks. We are highlighting a few of the Merdeka Square buildings of interest.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Built in the 1890s for the British government, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building is the most prominent and ornate building on the square. Top features of the KL landmark building are the copper dome and soaring clock tower (that houses a 1-ton bell).
Royal Selangor Club
Founded in 1884 by the British elite in Kuala Lumpur, the Selangor Club has a long history and become a KL institution. Visitors can admire the Tudor-style building from the outside, but the club is members-only.
The former National History Museum
A fine example of a colonial era structure, the building was completed in 1909 and has historically housed banks and more recently, museums.
Kuala Lumpur City Gallery
Originally built as the Government Printing Office in 1898, the beautiful building now houses the KL City Gallery.
The interior of the building has a few distinct original features – as well as exhibits on the history of Kuala Lumpur. Plus, the I Love KL sign sits just outside and is fun for photos! Find out more here.
Textile Museum
Housed in an exceptional heritage building that dates to 1896, the Textile Museum features exhibits that tell the story of KL history through fabric and clothing. There is a nominal fee to enter the museum.
St. Mary’s Anglican Cathedral
Designed in the Early English Gothic style, St. Mary’s Cathedral in Kuala Lumpur dates to the late 1800s and features a grand organ.
Top Tip: There is a Free Walking Tour Kuala Lumpur Merdeka Heritage – more info can be found here.
Jamek Mosque
The Jamek Mosque, also called ‘Friday Mosque,’ is the oldest mosque in KL and is located where the Klang and Gombak Rivers meet. Built in 1909 using ancient Moorish, Islam and Mughal architectural styles, it was the premier mosque in the country until National Mosque was built.
The mosque is open to visitors (outside of prayer times) and guests need to wear appropriate attire (robes and scarves are available for use at the entrance).
Top Tip: For the best views of the mosque, go to the lookout point over the river on Leboh Pasar Besar (south of the mosque). After dark, there are special light and water features.
Chinatown KL
KL Chinatown is an exciting neighborhood – and one of the best places to go in Kuala Lumpur to experience the city.
Markets, temples, shophouses and speakeasys make the district an entertaining spot both day and night. We recommend arriving in Chinatown in the late afternoon, so you can see the neighborhood both in the daylight and after dark.
These are the top sights in Chinatown (and can be seen in order on your own self-guided KL sightseeing tour):
Central Market
The Art Deco Central Market building dates to 1937, but the site has hosted a market since 1888. The original wet market has transformed from a gritty local market into a sleek establishment for all to enjoy.
Kasturi Walk
The shophouses on Kasturi Walk were built in the 1930s in the neo-classical style. A couple shops on the street still sell traditional Chinese medicine and herbs.
Guan di Temple
The classic red Chinese temple, Guan di Temple, was built in 1888 and is dedicated to a warrior. While the architectural elements are striking, many people visit the temple to see the Guan Dao – a Chinese sword that worshipers lift or touch for special blessings.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
Built in 1873, the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur. The incredibly ornate Raja Gopuram (tower) was added in 1968.
Petaling Street Market
Tourist and locals come to Petaling Street to haggle over prices of merchandise and feast on Chinese fare. However, we liked the vibe on Jalan Hang Lekir better. We highly recommend eating at Kim Lian Kee or one of the other restaurants along the street with a crowd (always a good sign!).
Kuala Lumpur Chinatown Bars
Chinatown offers an interesting mix of Kuala Lumpur nightlife options. People-watching from a low stool at a plastic table on Jalan hang Lekir Street while sipping a few cold beers is a great way to spend an evening in KL.
A well-known drinking establishment in Chinatown is Reggae Bar, a (you guessed it!) Bob Marley-themed bar serving cocktails to mostly fellow travelers with reggae beats continuously feeding through the speakers.
Other bars in the district are secretive (and expensive) speakeasys that can only be accessed by those in-the-know. PS150 and The Berlin KL are the two most popular.
Kuala Lumpur Map of Sights
Travelers can use this KL map to help plan their Kuala Lumpur Itinerary for 3 Days. Use this Google Map of Kuala Lumpur Sights on an interactive version of the one below.
What To Eat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We were equally excited and intimidated about eating in Kuala Lumpur. We love trying new food and the multicultural city boasts an array of cuisine…most of which is spicy.
As I do not like spicy food (as in, I can’t handle it), I had to abandon my normal whimsical ways of ordering foreign food.
This only put a slight damper in our feasting, as most places were accommodating to my requests. (And, whatever was too spicy for me became a extra serving for Kris!) Fortunately, Chinese food is as prevalent in KL as Malay food – and is simpler to get not spicy.
Best KL Restaurants
We gorged on Chinese street food on Jalan Alor Food Street (and nearby at Mongolian BBQ on Tengkat Tong Shin – look for the green lanterns) and in Chinatown (see above recommendations).
Our top pick for Malaysian fare was Kedai Mamak Husin, where the staff oh-so patiently answered my long list of inquiries regarding spiciness. With incredibly inexpensive prices and an extensive menu, we ordered dish after dish!
More Things To Do in Kuala Lumpur
Although we have outlined a comprehensive 3 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary, there are more sights to see! Here are a few more ideas to add – or substitute – into your KL trip itinerary:
Thean Hou Temple
Located south of the city center, Thean Hou Temple was built in 1989. The ornate and grandiose complex sits on 1.5 acres of land.
The modern temple features a dramatic gateway, a prayer hall with three altars, a medicinal herb garden, Wishing Well and turtle pond.
Unfortunately, Thean Hou Temple can only be reached by car. We recommend booking a tour or using the Grab app for transportation.
Chow Kit Market
Unlike the tidy Central Market geared toward tourists, Chow Kit Market is a gritty market where locals go to shop.
Within the depths of the space, visitors will find both a wet and dry market, haggling vendors, foul scents and an authentic experience!
National Palace KL
Malaysia’s National Palace, called Istana Negara, is the home of the Malaysian Monarch. Situated on a hill, the sprawling complex (which was completed in 2011) is simply massive.
Encompassing 28 acres, the palace has 22 domes. On the grounds there is a pool, a six-hole golf course and indoor tennis courts!
At the grand gates, two soldiers of the Royal Malay Regiment stand guard. Visitors are not allowed past the entrance gates, but can get a good look at the palace from outside.
TREC Nightlife
TREC (which stands for Taste, Relish, Experience, Celebrate) is hub of nightlife in KL. The entertainment complex features 11 clubs – including the popular Zouk KL.
Tour Kuala Lumpur
Our suggestions of what to see in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days covers the top sights. However, hiring a KL tour guide can enhance your 3 days in KL.
KL Walking Tour
There are several Kuala Lumpur Walking Tours with professional guides who lead the way! You can book a half-day tour Kuala Lumpur in advance of your trip on Viator – or take a look at these tours in KL: City Bike Tour and KL Food Tour.
Kuala Lumpur Bus Tour
For a relaxing Kuala Lumpur local tour, hop on an air-conditioned bus to see the best sights of the city. Book it!
Kuala Lumpur Day Tour from KLIA
Have a long layover in KL? Get out of the airport and see the city sights! Hire a private guide to pick you up at the airport and show you the best of Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur Day Trips
There are many KL day tour options for visitors who want to sightsee beyond the city limits. Consider one of these short trips from Kuala Lumpur to add to your Malaysia trip itinerary:
Historic Malacca KL Day Trip – Learn the history and culture of the beautiful old port city, Malacca, on a full day trip from the city. Find out more!
Genting Highlands and Cable Car – Experience a day of entertainment in Genting Highlights, home to Southeast Asia’s longest cable car, a theme park, casino and more! Learn more!
Taman Negara Rainforest – After visiting Batu Caves, embark on a journey into the Taman Negara Rainforest. The excursion includes walking in the treetop canopy, visiting a local village, a boat ride and lunch at a floating cafe. Book it now!
Kanching Waterfalls and Hot Springs – Start the day visiting Batu Caves then go off the beaten track to soak in the Selayang Hot Springs, eat a traditional Malaysian meal and end your half-day tour at the 7-tiered Kanching Waterfalls. Read the rave reviews!
Planning a Trip to Kuala Lumpur
We have outlined a perfect KL Itinerary for 3 days – and have shared tips on more of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur – but there is still more to do!
As you make your Malaysia trip plans, you need to stay organized. Use our Travel Planning Printables to keep track of all the details of your vacation to Malaysia!
How Many Days in Kuala Lumpur
When trying to figure out how many days to spend in Kuala Lumpur factor in the time you have, the sights you want to see, leisurely activities and your budget. Based on our outlined 3-Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary, we have a few tips on what to do in KL – either with more or less time in the city.
KL One Day Trip
Need a Kuala Lumpur itinerary for 1 day? Pick and choose from our suggestions of places to visit in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days – or skip on over to our 1 day in Kuala Lumpur post.
2 Days in Kuala Lumpur
If you are looking for the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 2 days, the above Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia travel itinerary is a good place to start! With two days in Kuala Lumpur, we recommend (mostly) following the above Kuala Lumpur Itinerary for Day 1, then picking from the activities on Days 2 and 3 to create an itinerary of what to do in Kuala Lumpur on Day 2 based on your interests.
This is, personally, what our 2-Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary would look like:
- Day 1: Batu Caves, Malls, Petronas Towers, Jalan Alor Food Street, Changkat Bukit Bintang Bars
- Day 2: KL Tower, EcoPark, Little India, Merdeka Square, Chinatown
4 Days in Kuala Lumpur (or more!)
With 4 days or even a week in Kuala Lumpur, you aren’t likely to run out of KL things to do! Use our 3-Day KL Itinerary outlined above then add some of the suggestions from More Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur, a KL tour and a day trip or two!
With a longer stay, we would also highly recommend booking accommodations with a swimming pool for afternoons when you just want to chill.
More Destinations for your Malaysia Itinerary
Planning a trip to multiple destinations in Malaysia and the region? We’ve got your covered! In addition to our suggested itinerary for Kuala Lumpur, visitors can use our guides to top destinations in the region to help plan their trip.
- Visiting Penang, Malaysia? Great! Get ready with our list of the Best Things To Do In Penang!
- Also visiting Johor Bahru? Read our detailed guide to JB!
- Heading over to Singapore as well? Use our Ultimate Singapore Itinerary!
Where To Stay in Kuala Lumpur
Choosing where to stay in KL is no easy task. Not only is the city home to a range of hotels and holiday apartments, but travelers are also tasked with deciding which district to stay in.
Like in any big city, we think it is best to stay in accommodations that are centrally located to top attractions. For travelers who plan on exploring KL using public transit, it is also wise to choose a hotel in Kuala Lumpur that is close to public transport lines.
Personally, we think the Bukit Bintang district is the best place to stay in KL. It’s within walking distance to many sights and attractions, but away from the crowds. That said, travelers who want to be in the heart of the action and closest to Kuala Lumpur attractions should stay in KLCC.
Kuala Lumpur Hotels
There are many, many, many hotels in Kuala Lumpur – from luxury accommodations to budget stays. We are featuring a few of the top-rated hotels in Kuala Lumpur that are often-raved-about by fellow travelers.
Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Situated in the heart of the city, Traders Hotel offers a modern property at affordable rates. Amenities include a spa, indoor pool and 2 on-site dining options – including an open-air rooftop bar with Petronas Tower views. Check availability!
Grand Hyatt KL Hotel
A luxurious 5-star property, the Grand Hyatt in KLCC is an exceptional place to stay on a trip to Kuala Lumpur. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable beds. Plus, they get rave reviews for their breakfasts. Check rates for your stay!
ANSA Kuala Lumpur Hotel
Modern and eco-friendly, ANSA Hotel has a fantastic location near attractions and is close to the Bukit Bintang Monorail Station. Plus, the rooms are clean and offer good value for money. Check availability!
1000 Miles Kuala Lumpur Hotel
Offering both dorm stays and private rooms, 1000 Miles Kuala Lumpur Hotel is a great option for budget travelers. The hotel is situated close to bus and rail lines. Check the rates!
Start your search for Kuala Lumpur hotels on Booking.com. First, read our tips for How To Find the Best Rates on Hotels.
KL Airbnb
On our second trip to Kuala Lumpur, we stayed in a fantastic Airbnb Apartment! We found this apartment in a new tower complex, which was well-located in the Bukit Bintang district.
The features that we enjoyed most about the property (and ones that we would look for in other accommodations) were the infinity pool on the 6th floor – and the jacuzzi and garden on the 42nd floor rooftop deck (with incredible KL views).
Pro Tip: Airbnb is not the only option for finding vacation rentals! Travelers can search Booking.com for holiday apartments, as well.
Getting to Kuala Lumpur
The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is a massive complex to the south of the city center. Home base for Malaysia Airlines as well as the top budget airline of SE Asia, Air Asia. Malaysia Airlines (and all international airlines) operate at KLA1, Air Asia is out of a dedicated terminal, KLA2.
We have arrived to KL from numerous destinations including Krabi, Thailand, Perth, Australia and Phnon Penh, Cambodia and departed to Phuket, Thailand, Bali, Indonesia and Frankfurt, Germany to name just a few!
Start your search for the best flight deals on Skyscanner – but first get our Tips for Finding Cheap Airfare!
What To Pack for Kuala Lumpur
Now that you are ready to go to Kuala Lumpur, it’s time to pack your bags. We are sharing a few packing hacks – but you can find all of our advice on our Packing Tips page. Also – get your FREE Packing Checklist!
Shoes for Travel
Between the heat and the uneven pavement, Kuala Lumpur is not an easy city to walk around. As we cover some ground in our 3 Day Itinerary KL – it’s essential to have the right travel shoes!
Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes for your trip. I (Sarah) have traveled with these shoes by Columbia and Reef. Kris prefers wearing these shoes by Merrell or these by Sanuk.
Travel Camera
We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your KL trip. Rather than relying on your mobile phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera. We travel with a Canon Rebel, which comes with a robust kit of accessories, takes amazing photos and is a great budget camera option.
KL Map and Guidebook
It’s easy to get turned around in any foreign city…and that’s also true of Kuala Lumpur! Make sure to have a good city map and/or guidebook before arriving.
Day Pack
Whether you travel to Malaysia with a backpack or a suitcase, you’ll also want a great Day Bag to carry your everyday travel essentials in!
Malaysia Travel Insurance
If you haven’t already obtained insurance for your trip, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Malaysia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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